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Skin Scrape Procedure (view source)
Revision as of 16:46, 23 February 2022
, 16:46, 23 February 2022no edit summary
==Equipment==
==Equipment==
Scalpel blade
*Scalpel blade
*Microscope
Microscope
*Oil or Liquid Paraffin
*Surgical spirit or surgical scrub solution
Oil or Liquid Paraffin
*Microscope slides and cover slips
Surgical spirit or surgical scrub solution
Microscope slides and cover slips
==Preparation==
==Preparation==
==Procedure==
==Procedure==
[[File:Skin scrape.jpg|right|thumb|Vet performing a deep skin scrape]]
Choose the area that is to be sampled. It is best to scrape the '''periphery of any obvious lesions''' as this is where parasites tend to congregate and tissue is healthiest. '''Several samples''' should be taken from different regions as parasites can be very difficult to find.
Choose the area that is to be sampled. It is best to scrape the '''periphery of any obvious lesions''' as this is where parasites tend to congregate and tissue is healthiest. '''Several samples''' should be taken from different regions as parasites can be very difficult to find.
Run the scalpel blade along the desired area '''repeatedly in the same direction at an angle of ~45 degrees'''. It may be beneficial to '''dip the blade''' in a small amount of oil or liquid paraffin prior to scraping. Continue until the skin shows '''petechial haemorrhages'''. Do not continue until bleeding is copious as this will cloud the slide and make interpretation difficult. It is important that '''deep skin scrapes''' like this are taken when scraping for suspect [[Demodex|demodex mites]] or other deep burrowing mites, so that the hair follicle bulbs can be analysed.
Run the scalpel blade along the desired area '''repeatedly in the same direction at an angle of ~45 degrees'''. It may be beneficial to '''dip the blade''' in a small amount of oil or liquid paraffin prior to scraping. Continue until the skin shows '''petechial haemorrhages'''. Do not continue until bleeding is copious as this will cloud the slide and make interpretation difficult. It is important that '''deep skin scrapes''' like this are taken when scraping for suspect [[Demodex|''Demodex'' mites]] or other deep burrowing mites, so that the hair follicle bulbs can be analysed.
It may be prudent to scrape this way for any suspect parasitic infection as it will reveal both superficial and deep mites.
It may be prudent to scrape this way for any suspect parasitic infection as it will reveal both superficial and deep mites.
If parasites are suspected, repeat sampling may be prudent, as may preventative treatment with an [[Ectoparasiticides|ectoparasiticide]]. If [[Demodicosis|demodicosis]] is diagnosed and an animal is undergoing treatment, three negative scrape results on three separate occasions are required to confirm a curative result.
If parasites are suspected, repeat sampling may be prudent, as may preventative treatment with an [[Ectoparasiticides|ectoparasiticide]]. If [[Demodicosis|demodicosis]] is diagnosed and an animal is undergoing treatment, three negative scrape results on three separate occasions are required to confirm a curative result.
==Skin Scraping in Fish==
When taking skin scrapings from fish, only the '''mucus''' is sampled; the '''epidermis should not be broken'''. A '''blunt metal or wooden scraper/spatula''' should be used and the mucus placed onto a slide with a small amount of '''tank/pond water''' (chlorine and other minerals in tap water may kill any parasites present). The slide can be interpreted in the same way as those from mammals. Fish may be sedated for the procedure if required to prevent damage or injury.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Ornamental Fish Q&A 19]]
}}
==References==
==References==
Muller, G. H., Kirk, R. W., Scott, D. W., Griffin, C. W (2001) Small Animal Dermatology. Elsevier Health Sciences.
FishDoc (2009) '''Taking a skin scrape''' Accessed online at http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/microscope/micro06.htm on 22/11/2011.
Lewbart, G.A (1998) '''Ornamental Fish Self Assement Colour Review Guide'''. Manson Publishing. Question 19.
Muller, G. H., Kirk, R. W., Scott, D. W., Griffin, C. W (2001) '''Small Animal Dermatology'''. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Rosenfeld, A. J., Dial, S. M (2010) '''Clinical Pathology for the Veterinary Team'''. Wiley & Sons.
Rosenfeld, A. J., Dial, S. M (2010) '''Clinical Pathology for the Veterinary Team'''. Wiley & Sons.
[[Category:Pathological Sample Collection]] [[Category:Clinical Techniques]] [[Category:To Do - Manson review]]
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[[Category:Pathological Sample Collection|4]]